Adjustable leg guard for a catcher

ABSTRACT

A shin guard may include an upper shin guard piece and a lower shin guard piece removably connected and overlapping the upper shin guard piece. A leg guard may include a toe guard releasably connected to a shin guard by a hook and loop fastener. A leg guard may include a knee guard, a thigh guard and a continuous flexible band underlying and connecting the thigh guard and the knee guard.

BACKGROUND

Shin Guards are frequently worn to protect a sport participant's shinsfrom impact. Shin guards may be worn in such sporting activities such ashockey, soccer, baseball and softball. In baseball and softball, shinguards maybe incorporated as part of a larger leg guard. Baseball andsoftball catchers often wear leg guards while the catcher is crouchingwhen receiving a pitch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are side views schematically illustrating portionsof an example shin guard assembly in various states providing differentlengths.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views schematically illustrating portions of anexample toe and shin guard assembly in various states providingdifferent configurations.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views schematically altering portions of anexample toe and shin guard assembly in various states providingdifferent lengths and configurations.

FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of an examplethigh and knee guard assembly.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrated portions of an examplethigh and knee guard assembly.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side view schematically illustrating portions of anexample leg guard in various states providing different links andconfigurations.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an example leg guard.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the example leg guard of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the example leg guard of caffeine 7 whenbeing worn.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example shin guard portion of theexample leg guard of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an example toe and shin guard portion ofthe example leg guard of FIG. 7.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarilyto scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearlyillustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examplesand/or implementations consistent with the description; however, thedescription is not limited to the examples and/or implementationsprovided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are example shin guards that provide a customized fit fordifferently sized sport participants. The example shin guards comprisetwo pieces that are removably connected to one another and that overlapone another. In some implementations, one of the two pieces may beremoved and replaced with a differently sized piece to accommodate adifferently sized sport participant. In some implementations, the extentto which the two pieces overlap one another may be selectively adjustedto accommodate differently sized sport participants. Such customizationmay be especially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participantmay grow and change in height over a period of time. Such customizationmay also be beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard maybe adjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized sportparticipants on a single team.

In some implementations, the example shin guards comprise a first piecethat is fixed in shape and size, wherein the first piece is to cover aportion of a sport participant's shin that is less variable amongstdifferent participants. The example shin guards further comprise asecond piece that is moldable and hardenable and is to cover thoseportions of the sport participant's shin that may be more variable orsusceptible to changes in size. For purposes of this disclosure, theterm “moldable and hardenable” refers to a material that is bendable,moldable or pliable, with manually applied force, to a desired shape,wherein the material may be subsequently hardened or cured to a statethat is not bendable or pliable.

In some implementations, the second piece may comprise a flexible outerskin containing a liquid or flowable material, wherein the liquid orflowable material may be something only hardened while the flexibleouter skin is in the desired shape. In some implementations, the secondpiece may comprise a panel of a soft pliable non-liquid material,wherein the soft pliable non-liquid material may be subsequentlyhardened to a non-pliable state once the panel has been molded to adesired shape, conforming to the adjacent anatomy of the sportparticipant. In one implementation, the second piece may comprise amoldable and hardenable panel such as a panel including gel to shelltechnology, commercially available from EVOSHIELD®. The moldable andhardenable panel may be supported or positioned adjacent to the sportparticipant's shin and shaped to match the sport participant's shin.Once in the desired shape, the moldable and hardenable panel may be leftin place adjacent the sport participant shin as the panel is hardened orcured to a permanent shin protecting shape and state. In someimplementations, the second piece may comprise a compressible, yetbendable pad that is retained in an arcuate shape by one or more strapsor other pad framing and retaining structures.

Disclosed are example shin and toe guard assemblies. The example shinand toe guard assemblies provide a customized fit for differently sizedsport participants. The example shin and toe guard assemblies comprise ashin guard piece and a toe guard releasably connected to one another. Insome implementations, the toe guard may be removed and replaced with adifferently sized toe guard to accommodate a differently sized sportparticipant. In some implementations, the location and extent to whichthe toe guard extends from the shin guard piece and over the sportparticipant's foot may be selectively adjusted to accommodatedifferently sized sport participants. In some implementations, the toeguard is releasably connected to the shin guard piece by an elongateflexible band that is connectable to the shin guard piece at any one ofa variety of different locations by hook and loop fastener mechanismwith one of the hook and loop provided on the flexible band and theother of the hook and loop provided on a backside of the shin guardpiece. The toe guard may be further retained in place by a strapextending from the toe guard and wrapping underneath and about the sportparticipant's foot. Such customization provided by the shin and toeguard assembly may be especially beneficial in youth sports where asport participant may grow in change in height over a period of time.Such customization may also be beneficial in team sports, wherein asingle shin guard may be adjusted so as to be worn by multipledifferently sized sport participants on a single team.

Disclosed are example thigh and knee guard assemblies. Such assembliesmay comprise a knee guard and a thigh guard pivotably connected to oneanother by continuous flexible band that underlies and connects both thethigh guard and the knee guard. In one implementation, the thigh guardand the knee guard may both riveted, stitched or otherwise fastened torespective portions of the band. The band may extend across a majorityof a width of each of the thigh guard and the knee guard to not onlypivotally connect the two guards, but to also structurally support andstabilize the two guards against transverse relative movement ortwisting. Although the band is sufficiently flexible to allow asufficient degree of freedom such as when a catcher crouches to receivea pitch and so as to allow some degree of twisting (in contrast to muchstiffer plastic linkages or hinges), the width of the band issufficiently wide so as to limit the degree of twisting. Because theband further extends behind or underlies a majority of each of the kneeguard and the leg guard, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlyingportions of the band are securely anchored to further limit undesirablerelative twisting of the knee guard and the leg guard. In oneimplementation, the band may have a width of at least 2 inches. In oneimplementation, the band may comprise a flexible fabric band having awidth of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0 inches. Because theband structurally supports and stabilizes the two guards againsttransverse movement and twisting, the two guards are more securelyretained in place, and placing the assembly on the sport participant'sleg may be simplified.

In some implementations, the example thigh guard assemblies mayadditionally comprise an extended knee guard which overlaps portions ofeach of the thigh guard and the knee guard. The extended knee guard isdirectly affixed to the flexible band. In such implementations, theflexible band serves as a direct support foundation for each of thethigh guard, knee guard and extended knee guard, simplifying theconstruction of the example via knee guard assembly. The family does notinvolve infrastructure for pivotally supporting the knee guard relativeto the thigh guard and a second additional structure for pivotallysupporting the extended knee guard.

Disclosed are example leg guards. The example leg guards may include oneor more of the above shin guard, shin and toe guard assembly and thighand knee guard assembly. The resulting leg guard is well-suited forprotecting a catcher's leg while crouching when receiving a pitch. Theexample leg guards provide a customizable leg guard assembly that mayadapt to differently sized sport participants. The example leg guard mayserve as a one guard fits all solution for reducing equipment costs andfor ensuring that the leg guards being worn by sport participants areproperly sized and fitted to the sport participant's anatomy to bestprotect the legs of the sport participant.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are diagrams schematically illustrating portions ofan example shin guard 20 in different selectable states. Shin guard 20comprises upper shin guard piece 24 and lower shin guard piece 28. Uppershin guard piece 24 and lower shin guard piece 28 are removablyconnected to one another so as to overlap one another. As a result, oneof the two pieces may be removed and replaced with a differently sizedpiece to accommodate a differently sized sport participant. In theexample illustrated, the extent to which the two pieces overlap oneanother may be selectively adjusted to accommodate differently sizedsport participants. Such customization may be especially beneficial inyouth sports where a sport participant may grow in change in height overa period of time. Such customization may also be beneficial in teamsports, wherein a single shin guard may be adjusted so as to be worn bymultiple differently sized sport participants on a single team.

In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24 is fixed in shapeand size, wherein piece 24 is to cover a portion of a sportparticipant's shin that is less variable amongst different participants.In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24 has an upper endfor connection to a knee guard. In other implementations, pieces 24 and28 may be configured for use independent of a knee guard or a larger legguard assembly.

In the example illustrated, lower shin guard piece 28 is moldable andhardenable and is to cover those portions of the sport participant'sshin that may be more variable or susceptible to changes in size. In oneimplementation, piece 28 may comprise a flexible outer skin containing aliquid or flowable material, wherein the liquid or flowable material maybe something only hardened while the flexible outer skin is in thedesired shape. In some implementations, the piece 28 may comprise apanel of a soft pliable non-liquid material, wherein the soft pliablenon-liquid material may be subsequently hardened or cured to anon-pliable state once a panel has been molded to a desired shape,conforming to the adjacent anatomy of the sport participant. In oneimplementation, the second piece may comprise a moldable and hardenablepanel such as a panel including gel to shell technology, commerciallyavailable from EVOSHIELD®. The moldable and hardenable panel may besupported or positioned adjacent to the sport participant's shin andshaped to match the sport participant's shin. Once in the desired shape,the moldable and hardenable panel may be left in place adjacent thesport participant shin as the panel is hardened to a permanent shinprotecting shape and state. In some implementations, piece 28 maycomprise a compressible, yet bendable pad that is retained in an arcuateshape by one or more straps or other pad framing and retainingstructures.

In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24 comprises distinctconnection points 34-1, 34-2 and 34-3 (collectively referred to asconnection points 34). At the same time, lower shin guard piece 28comprises distinct connection points 38-1, 38-2 and 38-3 (collectivelyreferred to as connection points 38). Each of connection points 34serves as part of a connection interface that interlocks with any ofconnection points 38. Because connection points 34 and 38 interact withone another on a back face our side of the front upper shin guard piece24, such connection points 34 are less susceptible to damage or becomingcontaminated with dirt or other debris which may impair connection.

In one implementation, each of connection points 34 comprises a firstportion of a snap fastener while each of connection points 38 comprisesa second corresponding portion of the snap fastener. In oneimplementation, each of connection points 34 comprises one of a hook andloop structure while each of connection points 38 comprises the other ofthe hook and loop structure (for example, VELCRO®). As shown by brokenlines, in some implementations, connection points 34 and/or connectionpoints 38 may alternatively comprise continuous elongate strips of hookmaterial or loop material, providing a continuum of different connectionpositions. In other implementations, connection points 34 and 38 maycomprise other cooperative interlocking structures that facilitatereleasable securement of pieces 24 and 28 at different positionsrelative to one another.

In the connected state shown in FIG. 1A, connection points 34-2 and 38-1are connected to one another while connection points 34-3 and 38-2 areconnected to one another to provide an intermediate length for shinguard 20. In the connected state shown in FIG. 1B, connection points34-3 and 38-1 are connected to one another to provide an extended lengthfor shin guard 20. In the connected state shown in FIG. 1C, connectionpoints 34-1, 34-2 and 34-3 are connected to connection points 38-1, 38-2and 30-3, respectively, to provide a shorter shin guard 20. As should beappreciated, connection point 38-3 may also be connected to connectionpoint 34-2 for an even shorter shin guard 20 or connected to connectionpoint 34-1 for a still shorter shin guard 20. The length of shin guard20 may be adjusted to accommodate differently size shins of differentsport participants. In other implementations, other numbers ofconnections points and adjustable overlapping positions of the shinguard pieces 24 and 28, and other numbers of overlapped positions anddegrees or sizes of overlapping of the pieces 24 and 28, arecontemplated.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an example shin and toe guardassembly 120. Shin and toe guard assembly 120 may provide a customizedfit for differently sized sport participants. Shin and toe guardassembly 120 comprises a toe guard that may be removed and replaced witha differently sized toe guard to accommodate a differently sized sportparticipant. In some implementations, the location and extent to whichthe toe guard extends from the shin guard piece and over the sportparticipants foot may be selectively adjusted to accommodate differentlysized sport participants. Shin and toe guard assembly 120 comprises shinguard piece 128 and toe guard 150.

Shin guard piece 128 comprises a member shaped and sized to cover andprotect the sport participant's shin. In one implementation, shin guardpiece 128 may comprise a hard shell backed by cushioned compressiblepad. In another implementation, shin guard piece 128 may comprise amoldable and hardenable panel that has been hardened to match orcorrespond to the profile or shape of the sport participant's shin. Thepanel may be enclosed in a fabric sleeve, pocket or encasement or may bedirectly exposed. In one implementation, shin guard piece 128corresponds to shin guard piece 28 described above except that shinguard piece 128 is additionally configured for removable connection totoe guard 150, forming assembly 120.

Toe guard 150 extends over or above a top of a sport participant's foot,protecting his or her foot from impacts. Toe guard 150 is especiallydirected to protecting a catcher's foot from impacts from a thrown pitchor a foul tipped batted ball. Toe guard 150 comprises toe guard piece154 and flexible band 156.

Toe guard piece 154 comprises a hard outer shell. In someimplementations, the hard outer shell is additionally backed bycushioning pad. In some implementation, toe guard piece 154 includes astrap extending from the shell for wrapping about the sportparticipant's foot.

Flexible band 156 comprise a band of flexible fabric, rubber and/orpolymeric material extending between and connecting toe guard piece 154and shin guard piece 128. In one implementation, flexible band 156 isfastened or affixed to toe guard piece 154 while being removablyconnectable to shin guard piece 128. In one implementation, flexibleband 156 is removably connectable to shin guard piece 128 at a pluralityof different user selectable positions so as to adjust the relativepositioning of toe guard piece 154 with respect to shin guard piece 128.

In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 128 comprises distinctconnection points 164-1, 164-2 and 164-3 (collectively referred to asconnection points 164). At the same time, flexible band 156 of toe guard150 comprises distinct connection points 168-1, 168-2 and 168-3(collectively referred to as connection points 168). Each of connectionpoints 164 serves as part of a connection interface that interlocks withany of connection points 168. Because connection points 164 and 168interact with one another on a back face or side of the shin guard piece128, such connection points 164 are less susceptible to damage orbecoming contaminated with dirt or other debris which may impairconnection.

In one implementation, each of connection points 164 comprises a firstportion of a snap fastener while each of connection points 168 comprisesa second corresponding portion of the snap fastener. In oneimplementation, each of connection points 164 comprises one of a hookand loop structure while each of connection points 168 comprises theother of the hook and loop structure (for example, VELCRO®). As shown bybroken lines, in some implementations, connection points 164 and/orconnection points 168 may alternatively comprise continuous elongatestrips of hook material or loop material, providing a continuum ofdifferent connection positions. In other implementations, connectionpoints 164 and 168 may comprise other cooperative interlockingstructures that facilitate releasable securement of toe guard 150 engineguard piece 128 at different positions relative to one another.

In the connected state shown in FIG. 2A, connection points 164-2 and168-1 are connected to one another while connection points 164-3 and168-2 are connected to one another to provide a first position for toeguard piece 154. In the connected state shown in FIG. 2B, connectionpoints 164-1, 164-2 and 164-3 are connected to connection points 168-1,168-2 and 168-3, respectively, providing a second position for toe guardpiece 154. In the second position, shin guard piece 154 is closer toshin guard piece 128 as compared to the position shown in FIG. 2A. Asshould be appreciated, connection point 168-1 may be connected toconnection point 164-3 to provide yet a third position for toe guardpiece 150, farthest away from shin guard piece 128. In otherimplementations, other numbers of connections points and adjustableoverlapping positions of the shin guard piece 164 and the flexible strap168, and other numbers of overlapped positions and degrees or sizes ofoverlapping of the piece 164 and the strap 168, are contemplated.

As a result, the length of shin guard 20 may be adjusted to accommodatedifferently size shins of different sport participants. Suchcustomization provided by the shin and toe guard assembly may beespecially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant may growin change in height over a period of time. Such customization may alsobe beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard may beadjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized sportparticipants on a single team.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views schematically illustrating portions of anexample shin and toe guard assembly 220. Assembly 220 is similar toassembly 120 described above except that assembly 120 comprises shinguard piece 228 in place of shin guard piece 128 and additionallycomprises shin guard piece 24 as described above. Shin guard piece 228is similar to shin guard piece 128 except that shin guard piece 228additionally comprises connection points 38-1, 38-2 and 38-3 on itsfront face as described above with respect to shin guard assembly 20.

As shown by FIGS. 3A and 3B, shin and toe guard assembly 220 isadjustable to accommodate differently sized sport participants in twomanners. First, shin and toe guard assembly 220 facilitates selectiveadjustment of the relative positioning of shin guard pieces 24 and 228to accommodate different lengths of shins (as is guide above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-1C). Second, shin and toe guard assembly 220facilitates selective adjustment of the relative positioning of toeguard piece 154 and shin guard piece 228 to accommodate different sizedfeet of the sport participant. Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate onlytwo positions of the shin and toe guard assembly 220, the shin and toeguard assembly 220 is capable of numerous other adjustable positions ofthe shin guard piece 24, the shin guard piece 228 and/or the strap 168.

FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of an examplethigh and knee guard assembly 320. Assembly 320 comprises a knee guard380 and a thigh guard 384 pivotably connected to one another bycontinuous flexible band 386 that underlies and connects both the thighguard 384 and the knee guard 386. Both knee guard 380 and thigh guard384 comprise a hard outer shell backed by a cushion or pad. In oneimplementation, the thigh guard 384 and the knee guard 380 may bothriveted, stitched or otherwise fastened to respective portions of theband 386.

Flexible band 386 extends across a majority of a width of each of thethigh guard 384 and the knee guard 380 to not only pivotally connect thetwo guards, but to also structurally support and stabilize the twoguards against transverse relative movement or twisting. Although theband 386 is sufficiently flexible to allow a sufficient degree offreedom such as when a catcher crouches to receive a pitch and so as toallow some degree of twisting (in contrast to much stiffer plasticlinkages or hinges), the width of the band 386 is sufficiently wide soas to limit the degree of twisting. Because the band 36 further extendsbehind or underlies a majority of each of the knee guard 380 and the legguard 384, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions ofthe band are securely anchored to further limit undesirable relativetwisting of the knee guard and the leg guard. In one implementation, theband 36 may have a width of at least 2 inches. In one implementation,the band may comprise a flexible fabric band of at least 2 inches. Inone implementation, the band may be formed from a fabric material havinga width of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0 inches. Because theband 36 structurally supports and stabilizes the two guards againsttransverse movement and twisting, the two guards are more securelyretained in place and placing the assembly on the sport participant'sleg may be simplified. In other implementations, the flexible band 386can be a pair of spaced apart flexible bands 386 that each connect theknee guard 380 and the leg guard 384 with the space between the flexiblebands 386 being suitable to extend over a player's knee cap. In anotherimplementation, the flexible band 386 may be a wide band and may includea knee cap opening for extending over or accommodating the player's kneecap.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of an examplethigh guard assembly 420. Assembly 420 is similar to assembly 320described above except that assembly 420 additionally comprises anextended knee guard 488 which overlaps portions of each of the thighguard 384 and the knee guard 380. The extended knee guard 488 isdirectly affixed to the flexible band 386. In some implementations, theextended knee guard 488 is stitched, riveted and/or fixed to flexibleband 386 at a location between knee guard 380 and thigh guard 384. Inother implementations, the knee guard 488 may be removably attached toflexible band 386. In such implementations, the flexible band 386 servesas a direct support or foundation for each of the thigh guard 384, kneeguard 380 and extended knee guard 488, simplifying the construction ofthe example thigh and knee guard assembly. The assembly 420 does notinvolve an additional first structure for pivotally supporting the kneeguard relative to the thigh guard and a second additional structure forpivotally supporting the extended knee guard, reducing complexity andcost.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views schematically illustrated portions of anoverall leg guard 520 into different size adjusted states. Leg guard 520comprises a combination of: shin guard assembly 220 and thigh and kneeguard assembly 420 described above except that assembly 520 comprisesflexible band 586 in place of flexible band 386. Flexible band 586 issimilar to flexible band 326 except that flexible band 586 has anextended length so as to overlap in extends behind shin guard piece 24,where flexible band 586 is affixed to a backside of shin guard piece 24.In one implementation, flexible band 326 is stitched, riveted orotherwise fastened to shin guard piece 24. In some implementations,flexible band 586 may be affixed to shin guard piece 24 at otherlocations. In other implementations, the flexible band 586 may beremovably and/or adjustably attached to the shin guard piece 24. In theexample illustrated, flexible band 586 serves as a single base orfoundation for supporting both assembly 220 and assembly 420.

Similar to flexible band 486, flexible band 586 not only pivotallyconnects the two assemblies, but also structurally supports andstabilizes assemblies 220 and 420 against transverse relative movementor twisting. Although the band 586 is sufficiently flexible to allow asufficient degree of freedom such as when a catcher crouches to receivea pitch and so as to allow some degree of twisting (in contrast to muchstiffer plastic linkages or hinges), the width of the band 586 issufficiently wide so as to limit the degree of twisting. Because theband 586 further extends behind or underlies a majority of thin guardpiece 24, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions of theband are securely anchored to further limit undesirable relativetwisting of the assemblies 220 and 420. In one implementation, the band586 may have a width of at least 2 inches. In one implementation, theband may comprise a flexible fabric band having a thickness of at least0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0 inch. Because the band 586 structurallysupports and stabilizes assemblies 220 and 420 against transversemovement and twisting, assemblies 220 and 420 are more securely retainedin place. In addition, placing the assembly on the sport participant'sleg may be simplified.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrated portions of an example leg guard 720, an exampleimplementation of leg guard 520. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view ofleg guard 720. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of leg guard 720. FIG.9 illustrates leg guard 720 while being worn. Leg guard 720 comprisesshin guard piece 724, shin guard piece 728, toe guard 750, knee guard780, thigh guard 784 (shown in FIGS. 8 to 9) and flexible band 786.

Shin guard piece 724 and 728 comprise implementations of shin guardpieces 24 and 228 described above. Shin guard pieces 724 and 728 areremovably connected to one another so as to overlap one another. As aresult, one of the two pieces may be removed and replaced with adifferently sized piece to accommodate a differently sized sportparticipant. In the example illustrated, the extent to which the twopieces overlap one another may be selectively adjusted to accommodatedifferently sized sport participants. The number of adjustable positionsbetween the shin guard pieces 724 and 728 is very large allowing for anyuser to find an adjustable position that meets his or her needs. Suchcustomization may be especially beneficial in youth sports where a sportparticipant may grow in change in height over a period of time. Suchcustomization may also be beneficial in team sports, wherein a singleshin guard may be adjusted so as to be worn by multiple differentlysized sport participants on a single team.

In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 724 is fixed in shape andsize, wherein piece 724 is to cover a portion of a sport participant'sshin that is less variable amongst different participants. In theexample illustrated, shin guard piece 724 has an upper end coupled toknee guard 780 by flexible band 786. In the example illustrated, shinguard piece 724 is affixed to flexible band 786 by rivets or stitching.

Shin guard piece 728 is moldable and hardenable and is configured tocover those portions of the sport participant's shin that may be morevariable or susceptible to changes in size. In the example illustrated,piece 728 comprises a panel of a soft pliable non-liquid material,wherein the soft pliable non-liquid material may be subsequentlyhardened or cured to a non-pliable state once a panel has been molded toa desired shape, conforming to the adjacent anatomy of the sportparticipant. In one implementation, shin guard piece 728 may comprise amoldable and hardenable panel such as a panel including gel to shelltechnology, commercially available from EVOSHIELD®. The moldable andhardenable panel may be supported or positioned adjacent to the sportparticipant's shin and shaped to match the sport participant's shin.Once in the desired shape, the moldable and hardenable panel may be leftin place adjacent the sport participant shin as the panel is hardened toa permanent shin protecting shape and state.

In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 728 comprises a flexiblestrap 729 affixed to one side of piece 728 and removably connected withthe other side of piece 728 by hook and loop fastener. Prior to thehardening of piece 728, while piece 728 is still in a moldable state,strap 729 may be wrapped about the sport participants calf, the back ofthe shin, to retain piece 728 in place and in a shape closely conformingto the shin. Once shin guard piece 728 has hardened and retains itsshape, strap 729 may still be used to retain shin guard piece 728 placeadjacent to the sport participant's shin.

In other implementations, piece 728 may comprise a flexible outer skincontaining a liquid or flowable material, wherein the liquid or flowablematerial may be something only hardened while the flexible outer skin isin the desired shape. In still other implementations, piece 728 maycomprise a compressible, yet bendable pad that is retained in an arcuateshape by one or more straps.

As further shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, shin guard piece 728 has a lower endportion which comprises ankle guards 735 separated by intervening cutout 736. Ankle guards 735 comprise opposite ears projecting downwardfrom the remainder of shin guard piece 728. Ankle guards 735 are sizedand shaped so as to at least partially cover and protect the balls ofthe ankle of the leg upon which leg guard 720 is being worn. Cut out 736receives portions of tow guard 750, facilitating angular adjustment oftow guard 750 relative to shin guard piece 728. In otherimplementations, ankle guards 735 may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a front view of leg guard 720 prior to the shaping/moldingand hardening of shin guard piece 728 and a rearview of the remainder ofleg guard 720. As shown by FIG. 10, shin guard pieces 724 and 728 areremovably connected to one another at any of a variety of differentselectable locations by two continuous bands 734 and 738 that formopposite portions of a hook and loop fastener. As a result, the lengthof shin guard formed by pieces 724 and 728 may be adjusted toaccommodate differently size shins of different sport participants. Inother implementations, shin guard pieces 724 and 728 may be removablyconnected to one another by other fastening mechanism such as snapfasteners and the like.

Toe guard 750 extends over or above a top of a sport participant's foot,protecting his or her foot from impacts. Toe guard 750 is especiallydirected to protecting a catcher's foot from impacts from a thronepitch. Toe guard 750 comprises toe guard piece 754 and flexible band756.

Toe guard piece 754 comprises a hard outer shell 757 additionally backedby cushioning pad 758. In some implementations, toe guard piece 754includes a strap extending from the shell for wrapping about the sportparticipant's foot.

Flexible band 756 comprise a padded or cushioned band of flexible fabricin the shape of the tongue extending from toe guard piece 754 forremovable connection to shin guard piece 728. In the exampleillustrated, flexible band 756 is fastened or affixed to toe guard piece754 while being removably connectable to shin guard piece 728. As shownby FIG. 11, the back pad or side of shin guard piece 728 comprises aband or patch 764 of a first portion of a hook and loop fastener,whereas the front surface of flexible band 756 comprises a patch or band768 of the other portion of the hook and loop fastener. As a result, toeguard 750 may be removably connected to shin guard piece 728 at any oneof a variety of different possible locations to accommodate differentanatomies of the particular sport participant wearing leg guard 720.Such customization provided by the shin and toe guard assembly may beespecially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant may growand change in height over a period of time. Such customization may alsobe beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard may beadjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized sportparticipants on a single team. In other implementations, band 756 may beremovably connected to shin guard piece 728 by other fasteningmechanisms or arrangements. In some implementations, band 756 may beaffixed to shin guard piece 728 by rivets, stitching or the like.

As shown by FIG. 9, knee guard 780 and thigh guard 784 are pivotablyconnected to one another by continuous flexible band 786 that underliesand connects both the thigh guard 784 and the knee guard 780. Both kneeguard 780 and thigh guard 784 comprise a hard outer shell 790 backed bya cushion are padding provided by flexible band 786. In oneimplementation, the thigh guard 784 and the knee guard 780 may bothriveted, stitched or otherwise fastened to respective portions of theband 786.

Flexible band 786 extends across a majority of a width of each of thethigh guard 784 and the knee guard 780 to not only pivotally connect thetwo guards, but to also structurally support and stabilize the twoguards against transverse relative movement or twisting. Although theband 786 is sufficiently flexible to allow a sufficient degree offreedom such as when a catcher crouches to receive a pitch and so as toallow some degree of twisting (in contrast to much stiffer plasticlinkages or hinges), the width of the band 786 is sufficiently wide soas to limit the degree of twisting. Because the band 786 further extendsbehind or underlies a majority of each of the knee guard 780 and the legguard 784, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions ofthe band are securely anchored to further limit undesirable relativetwisting of the knee guard and the leg guard. In one implementation, theband 786 may have a width of at least 2 inches. In one implementation,the band may comprise a flexible fabric band having a thickness of atleast 0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0 inches. Because the band 786structurally supports and stabilizes the two guards against transversemovement and twisting, the two guards are more securely retained inplace and placing the assembly on the sport participant's leg may besimplified.

Extended knee guard 788 which overlaps portions of each of the thighguard 384 and the knee guard 380. The extended knee guard 788 isdirectly affixed to the flexible band 786. In the illustrated example,the extended knee guard 788 is stitched, riveted alive fixed to flexibleband 786 at a location between knee guard 780 and thigh guard 784. Inthe illustrated example, the flexible band 786 serves as a directsupport or foundation for each of the thigh guard 784, knee guard 780and extended knee guard 788, simplifying the construction of the exampleleg guard 720. As shown by such figures, the various portions of legguard 720 comprise additional straps 792, 794 and 796 for furthersecuring leg guard 720 about the leg of the sport participant.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing fromdisclosure. For example, although different example implementations mayhave been described as including features providing various benefits, itis contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with oneanother or alternatively be combined with one another in the describedexample implementations or in other alternative implementations. Becausethe technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not allchanges in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosuredescribed with reference to the example implementations and set forth inthe following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible.For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting asingle particular element also encompass a plurality of such particularelements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claimsmerely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, arenot to be specifically associated with a particular order or particularnumbering of elements in the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shin guard comprising: an upper shin guardpiece having an upper end for connection to a knee guard and a lowerend; a lower shin guard piece removably connected to the upper shinguard piece, wherein the upper shin guard piece of the lower shin guardpiece overlap one another.
 2. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein thelower shin guard piece is removably connectable to the lower end of theupper shin guard piece at a plurality of selectable positions.
 3. Theshin guard of claim 2, wherein the upper shin guard piece and the lowershin guard piece are removably connected to one another by a hook andloop fastener.
 4. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the lower shinguard piece has a lower end comprising ankle guards.
 5. The shin guardof claim 1, wherein the lower shin guard piece comprises a moldable andhardenable panel.
 6. A leg guard comprising: a knee guard; and a shinguard comprising: an upper shin guard piece having an upper endpivotably connected to the knee guard and a lower end; and a lower shinguard piece removably connected to the upper shin guard piece, whereinthe upper shin guard piece and the lower shin guard piece overlap oneanother.
 7. The leg guard of claim 6, wherein the lower shin guard pieceis removably connectable to the lower end of the upper shin guard pieceat a plurality of selectable positions.
 8. The leg guard of claim 6,wherein the lower shin guard piece has a lower end comprising ankleguards.
 9. The leg guard of claim 6, wherein the lower shin guard piececomprises a moldable panel.
 10. The leg guard of claim 6 furthercomprising a toe guard, the toe guard being removably connected to thelower shin guard piece at any one of a plurality of selectablelocations.
 11. The leg guard of claim 10, wherein the toe guard and thelower shin guard piece are removably connectable to one another by ahook and loop fastener.
 12. The leg guard of claim 10, wherein the toeguard comprises a moldable panel.
 13. The leg guard of claim 6 furthercomprising: a thigh guard; and a continuous flexible band underlying andconnecting the thigh guard and the knee guard.
 14. The leg guard ofclaim 13 further comprising an extended knee guard overlapping at leastportions of the thigh guard and the knee guard, the extended knee guardbeing affixed to the continuous flexible band.
 15. A leg guardcomprising: a shin guard; a toe guard releasably connected to the shinguard in one of a plurality of separate selectable locations, the toeguard being removably connected to the shin guard by a hook and loopfastener; an upper shin guard piece having an upper end and a lower end;and a lower shin guard piece removably connected to the upper shin guardpiece, wherein the upper shin guard piece and the lower shin guard pieceoverlap one another.
 16. The leg guard of claim 15, wherein the lowershin guard piece is removably connectable to the lower end of the uppershin guard piece at a plurality of selectable positions.
 17. The legguard of claim 16, wherein the upper shin guard piece and the lower shinguard piece are removably connected to one another by a hook and loopfastener
 18. The leg guard of claim 15, wherein the lower shin guardpiece has a lower end comprising ankle guards.
 19. The leg guard ofclaim 15, wherein the lower shin guard piece comprises a moldable panel.20. The leg guard of claim 15 further comprising a toe guard, the toeguard being removably connected to the lower shin guard piece at any oneof a plurality of selectable locations.
 21. The leg guard of claim 20,wherein the toe guard and the lower shin guard piece are removablyconnectable to one another by a hook and loop fastener.
 22. The legguard of claim 20, wherein the toe guard comprises a moldable panel. 23.The leg guard of claim 15 further comprising: a knee guard; a thighguard; and a continuous flexible band underlying and connecting thethigh guard and the knee guard.
 24. The leg guard of claim 23 furthercomprising an extended knee guard overlapping at least portions of thethigh guard and the knee guard, the extended knee guard being affixed tothe continuous flexible band.